Pensions for councillors

With effect from 1st April 2014 membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is no longer available where offered under a council's scheme of allowances in England. It is however still open to councillors and elected mayors of a Welsh county council or county borough council, who are under age 75.

For councillor members in England who are members on 31 March 2014 may retain membership but only until the end of the term of office which that member is serving on 1st April 2014, or of course they step down or opt out of the Scheme.

FOR ENGLAND ONLY

The scheme is not available to councillors that were not members on 31 March 2014. Councillors that were members on this day can remain members during your current term of office (the term that covers 31 March 2014) or to age 75 if earlier

For existing members:

The LGPS for councillors is a defined benefit career average scheme and is guaranteed by law. The calculation of your final pension is based on the time you have been a member of the scheme and your average pay during your period of membership as a councillor.

Your entitlement to receive a pension will depend on your age. The pension can be taken in full at any time from normal pension age, but must be taken before attaining age 75.

FOR COUNCILLORS IN WALES ONLY

The LGPS for councillors is a defined benefit career average scheme and is guaranteed by law. The calculation of your final pension is based on the time you have been a member of the scheme and your average pay during your period of membership as a councillor. Your entitlement to receive a pension will depend on your age. The pension can be taken in full at any time from normal pension age, but must be taken before attaining age 75.

How do I join and how much will it cost me?

Membership is optional and not automatic. If you wish to join please complete and return a joining form. Once your completed form is received, it will be processed by the pension's team who will issue you with a formal notification.

Your contributions are 6% of your allowances as a councillor. If you pay tax you will get tax relief on your contributions.